Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device, including a support, an axle mounted on the support, and at least one roller or wheel mounted on the axle.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This is a non-provisional application of provisional application No. 61/901,787, filed on Nov. 8, 2013. This non-provisional application claims priority to this provisional application under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

FIELD

The presently described subject matter relates to a roller or wheel exercise device for conditioning the body.

BACKGROUND

There exists many types and designs exercise devices. There is an ongoing need to further develop new and innovative exercise equipment to facilitate faster and more efficient exercise and training.

SUMMARY

The presently described subject matter is directed to an improved exercise device.

The presently described subject matter is direct to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a support, an axle mounted on the support, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a frame, an axle mounted on the support, and a plurality of rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a frame, an axle comprising opposing ends mounted on the support, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a frame configured to be supported on a floor, an axle mounted on the support, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a support, an axle mounted on the frame, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle, the rollers or wheels comprising an outer cylindrical surface.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a support, an axle mounted on the frame, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably mounted on the axle, the rollers or wheels comprising an outer ridged surface.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a support, an axle mounted on the frame, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably disposed on the axle, the rollers or wheels comprising an outer surface, the outer surface comprising one or more peripheral grooves.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a support, an axle supported on the support, and one or more rollers or wheels rotatably disposed on the axle, the rollers or wheels comprising an outer surface, the outer surface comprising one or more peripheral grooves.

The presently described subject matter is directed to an exercise device comprising or consisting of a frame, an axle supported on the support, and a plurality of rollers or wheels rotatably disposed on the axle, each roller or wheel comprising a transverse curved outer profile.

The presently described subject matter is directed to a roller or wheel exercise device. For example, the exercise device can comprise two (2) components that can be assembled together. For example, the exercise device can comprise a support (e.g. frame, floor mounted support) and a roller or wheel supported by the floor mounted support.

The support, for example, can comprise a base support connected to and supporting a pair of spaced apart side supports. The base support can be provided with feet (e.g. four (4) feet located at corners of the base support) to support the base support.

The roller or wheel can comprise a roller or wheel body mounted on an axle for rotatably supporting the roller or wheel on the support. Specifically, the axle comprises a pair of opposed ends extending outwardly from the ends of the roller and wheel. The ends act as trunnions received within sockets provided in an upper end in each side support. This arrangement allows the roller or wheel to easily be installed or removed from the support.

The roller or wheel body, for example, can comprise a smooth cylindrical roller surface. The roller or wheel body is cylindrical having a round circular cross section. The cross-sectional shape can remain the same size and shape along the length of the roller or wheel.

The roller or wheel body, for example, can comprise a three-dimensional and/or textured roller surface. For example, the roller or wheel body can be provided with cylindrical with longitudinal ridges and valleys (e.g. star wheel shaped cross section). The cross-sectional shape can remain the same size and shape along the length of the roller or wheel.

The roller or wheel body, for example, can comprise a three-dimensional shape. For example, the roller or wheel body can have an elliptical (e.g. oval) center longitudinal cross-section (e.g. like a football). For example, the roller or wheel body can be provided with transverse peripheral ridges and valleys. For example, the roller or wheel is football shaped and provided with transverse ridges and V-shaped valleys. For example, the roller or wheel is overall cylindrical-shaped and provided with transverse ridges and valleys.

The support can be made of materials such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, and composite material(s). For example, the support is injection molded nylon or ABS. The axle can be made of metal (e.g. steel), or plastic material.

The roller or wheel body can be made of a rigid material (e.g. metal, plastic, fiberglass, composite), or can be made of a soft material (e.g. foam, rubber). Alternatively, the roller or wheel body is made of different materials (e.g. hard inner core and soft outer layer). For example, the inner core is made of injection molded plastic for structural strength, and a soft foam outer layer is insert molded around the inner core. The outer surface of the foam material can have and other protective layer to seal and protect the foam material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exercise device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second exercise device.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of a third exercise device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth exercise device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exercise device.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 5, and the rear view a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 5, and the opposite end view is a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exercise device.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 9, and the rear view a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 9, and the opposite end view is a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an exercise device.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 13, and the rear view a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an end view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 13, and the opposite end view is a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exercise device.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 17, and the rear view a mirror image thereof.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an end view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 17, and the opposite end view is a mirror image thereof.

The parts or portions of the figures indicated in broken line are considered not to be portions of any design claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exercise device 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The exercise device 10 comprises a support 12 (e.g. frame) comprising a base support 14 supporting a pair of side supports 16, 16. The support 12 can be configured to be mounted on a floor. For example, the base support 14 can be provided with feet 18 (e.g. four (4) feet 18 located at the corners of base support 14).

The exercise device 10 comprises an axle 20. The axle 20 comprises a pair of opposed ends 22, 22 acting as trunnions received within slots 24, 24 in upper portions of the side supports 16, 16, respectively. The slots 24, 24 can be configured to cradle the ends 22, 22 of the axle 20, or can provide a snap fit connection therewith. This arrangement can be configure to allow the axle 20 to be easily installed or removed from the support 12.

A roller 26 is rotatably disposed on the axle 20. Alternatively, the roller is affixed to the axle 20, and the ends 22, 22 of the axle 22 rotate within the slots 24, 24 of the side supports 16, 16. The roller 26 comprises a smooth cylindrical roller surface 28. The transverse cross-section is circular, and remains the same size and shape along the length of the roller 26.

An exercise device 110 is shown in FIG. 2. The exercise device 110 comprises a support 112 (e.g. frame) comprising a base support 114 supporting a pair of side supports 116, 116. The support 112 can be configured to be mounted on a floor. The base support 114 is provided with feet 118 (e.g. four (4) feet 118 located at corners of the base support 114).

The exercise device 110 comprises an axle 120. The axle 120 comprises a pair of opposed ends 122, 122 acting as trunnions received within slots 124, 124 in upper portions of the side supports 116, 116, respectively. The slots 124, 124 can be configured to cradle the ends 122, 122 of the axle 120, or can provide a snap fit connection therewith. This arrangement can be configure to allow the axle 120 to be easily installed or removed from the support 112.

A roller 126 is rotatably disposed on the axle 120. Alternatively, the roller is affixed to the axle 120, and the ends 122, 122 of the axle 122 rotate within the slots 124, 124 of the side supports 116, 116. The roller 126 comprises a ridged cylindrical roller surface 128 comprising a plurality of longitudinal ridges 128 a spaced apart by V-shaped valleys disposed around the periphery of the roller 126. The transverse cross-section (i.e. star wheel shaped cross section) remains the same (i.e. same size and shape) along the length of the roller 126.

An exercise device 210 is shown in FIG. 3. The exercise device 210 comprises a support 212 (e.g. frame) comprising a base support 214 supporting a pair of side supports 216, 216. The support 112 can be configured to be mounted on a floor. The base support 214 is provided with feet 218 (e.g. four (4) feet 218 located at corners of base support 214).

The exercise device 210 comprises an axle 220. The axle 220 comprises a pair of opposed ends 222, 222 acting as trunnions received within slots 224, 224 in upper portions of the side supports 216, 216, respectively. The slots 224, 224 can be configured to cradle the ends 222, 222 of the axle 220, or can provide a snap fit connection therewith. This arrangement can be configure to allow the axle 220 to be easily installed or removed from the support 212.

A roller 226 is rotatably disposed on the axle 220. Alternatively, the roller is affixed to the axle 220, and the ends 222, 222 of the axle 222 rotate within the slots 224, 224 of the side supports 216, 216. The roller 226 comprises an elliptical-shaped outer roller surface 228 comprising roller surface portions 228 a, 228 b, and 228 c. Further, the roller 226 comprises a plurality of peripheral grooves 230 a, 230 b, 230 c spaced apart along a length of the roller 226. The width and depth of the grooves vary, as shown FIG. 3. Specifically, the center peripheral groove 230 a is the wider and deeper, the peripheral groove 230 b is less wide and deep, and the peripheral groove 230 c is the least wide and deep. Thus, the peripheral grooves 230 a, 230 b, 230 c become progressively less pronounced from the center of the roller 226 outwardly.

The transverse cross-section (i.e. circle) varies (i.e. same size diameter) along the length of the roller 226. Specifically, the roller 26 comprises an elliptical shaped or profile from end-to-end, as seen in the front elevational view shown in FIG. 3. 26. The outer surface roller portions comprise different elliptical curved segments of the elliptical shaped roller surface portions 228 a, 228 b, 228 c.

An exercise device 310 is shown in FIG. 4. The exercise device 310 comprises a floor mounted support 312 (e.g. frame) comprising a base support 314 supporting a pair of side supports 316, 316. The base support 314 is provided with feet 318 (e.g. four (4) feet 318 located at corners of base support 314).

The exercise device 310 comprises an axle 320. The axle 320 comprises a pair of opposed ends 322, 322 acting as trunnions received within slots 324, 324 in upper portions of the side supports 316, 316, respectively. The slots 324, 324 can be configured to cradle the ends 322, 322 of the axle 320, or can provide a snap fit connection therewith. This arrangement can be configure to allow the axle 320 to be easily installed or removed from the support 312.

A roller 326 is rotatably disposed on the axle 320. Alternatively, the roller is affixed to the axle 320, and the ends 322, 322 of the axle 322 rotate within the slots 324, 324 of the side supports 316, 316. The roller 326 comprises a plurality of separate wheels 326 a (e.g. polyurethane or nylon wheels) located side-by-side and in contact with each other and disposed on the axle 320. The resulting assembled roller 326 comprises a grooved cylindrical roller surface 328 comprising a plurality of transverse peripheral grooves 328 a spaced apart along a length of the roller 326. The profile, width, and depth of the grooves 328 a are the same along the length of the roller 326, as shown FIG. 4. The wheels 326 a have rounded transverse curved outer surfaces. When the wheels 326 a are placed side-by-side the wheels 326 a define peripheral V-shaped grooves 328 a having curved groove wall portions.

The transverse cross-section (i.e. circle) of the roller 326 varies and repeats (i.e. repeating varying sized diameters) along the length of the roller 226 due to the transverse curved shape of the outer surfaces of the separate wheels 326 a located in the side-by-side arrangement thereof. Alternatively, the diameter of the wheels can vary (e.g. alternating larger and smaller wheels, wheels progressively increase in diameter toward the center providing an overall tapering outer surface).

It is noted that in the exercise devices 10, 110, and 210 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the opposing ends 22, 122, 222 of the axle 20, 120, 220 are exposed when assembled into the slots 24, 124, 224. In the exercise device 310 shown in FIG. 4, the opposing ends 322 are covered by side portions 324 a of the trunnions 324.

METHOD

For example, a user positions the exercise device 10, 110, 210, 310 on the floor in an area of sufficient size to exercise such as a room, space, or gym area.

A user then positions a portion of his or her body on top of, and in contact with the roller(s) or wheel(s) 26, 126, 226, 326 of the exercise device.

The user then moves their body portion back-and-forth on the roller(s) or wheel(s) 26, 126, 226, 326, which applies pressure and movement to the skin, flesh, and underlying muscle and tendons of that body portion increasing circulation of blood into this body portion. Further, this exercise also limbers up and loosens the user's joints in this body area. 

I claim:
 1. An exercise device, comprising: a support; an axle mounted on the support; and at least one roller or wheel rotatably mounted on the axle.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the axle is removably mounted on the support.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises spaced apart side supports, and opposing ends of the axle act as trunnions received within slots in upper portions of the side supports.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one roller or wheel is a plurality of rollers or wheels.
 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the rollers or wheels are located side-by-side.
 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the rollers or wheels are in contacted with each other.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller or wheel comprises a cylindrical configuration.
 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller or wheel comprises a rigid core having a soft outer layer.
 9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller or wheel comprises peripheral ridges.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the ridges are longitudinal ridges aligned parallel relative to the axle.
 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller is elliptical shaped from end-to-end.
 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller comprises at least one peripheral groove.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the roller comprises at least one peripheral groove.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein the roller comprises a plurality of peripheral grooves.
 15. The device according to claim 13, wherein the peripheral grooves comprise different width and depth peripheral grooves.
 16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the roller comprises a center peripheral groove and at least one set of peripheral grooves located on either side of the center peripheral groove.
 17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the roller comprises a center peripheral groove and at least two sets of peripheral grooves located on either side of the center peripheral groove.
 18. The device according to claim 16, wherein the width and depth of the center peripheral groove is the widest and deepest, and the remaining peripheral grooves become less wide and less deep from the center of the roller outwardly.
 19. The device according to claim 11, wherein the roller comprises a plurality of peripheral grooves.
 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the peripheral grooves comprise different width and depth peripheral grooves.
 21. The device according to claim 20, wherein the roller comprises a center peripheral groove and at least one set of peripheral grooves located on either side of the center peripheral groove.
 22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the roller comprises a center peripheral groove and at least two sets of peripheral grooves located on either side of the center peripheral groove.
 23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the width and depth of the center peripheral groove is the widest and deepest, and the remaining peripheral grooves become less wide and less deep from the center of the roller outwardly.
 24. The device according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral groove is V-shaped when viewing the roller along a length of the roller.
 25. The device according to claim 13, wherein the peripheral grooves are V-shaped when viewing the roller along a length of the roller.
 26. The device according to claim 13, wherein the peripheral grooves are spaced apart a predetermined distance along a length of the roller defining outer roller surface portions.
 27. The device according to claim 26, wherein the roller is elliptical shaped end-to-end and the outer surface roller portions comprise different elliptical curved segments of the elliptical shaped roller.
 28. The device according to claim 2, wherein the support comprises a base support and a pair of spaced apart side supports, the side supports comprising trunnions to removable support opposing ends of the axle.
 29. The device according to claim 28, wherein the ends of the axle are exposed when assembled into the trunnions.
 30. The device according to claim 27, wherein the ends of the axle are covered by sides of the trunnions.
 31. The device according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of wheels located side-by-side define an outer roller surface comprising a plurality of peripheral grooves.
 32. The device according to claim 30, wherein the wheels have rounded transverse curved surfaces. 